RunFastAbout the race
Run Rome The Marathon, known in Italian as the Maratona di Roma, is the annual marathon of the Italian capital. Its route runs past some of the best-known ancient monuments in the world, and the organiser's slogan plays on running a marathon "in Rome" as something different from any other.
History
The race was first held in 1982 and was not staged from 1992 to 1994. It has twice doubled as the Italian marathon championships, in 1983 and 1986. A special edition on 1 January 2000 marked the new millennium, with the start at St Peter's Square and a blessing from Pope John Paul II. The 2010 race commemorated the 50th anniversary of Abebe Bikila's barefoot Olympic win in Rome in 1960. The 2020 edition was cancelled during the coronavirus outbreak, and entrants were given a place in 2021.
The course
Race photographs and the organiser's start information place the start on the Via dei Fori Imperiali, near the Basilica of Maxentius, with runners passing landmarks such as the Colosseum and the Circus Maximus. The finish is also on the Via dei Fori Imperiali. The organiser promotes the course as a one-of-a-kind route through the historic centre.
Distances and the next edition
The main event is the 42.195 km marathon. The organiser also stages a Run4Rome relay and a Saturday 5K fun run beside it. Its website lists the next marathon for Sunday 14 March 2027. The 2026 race took place on 22 March, when start waves left the Fori Imperiali between 08:10 and 09:00 in grids from A to E, with wheelchair athletes going first at 08:00.
Entry basics
Registration is handled through the organiser's website, which carries a "register now" prompt for 2027. Runners are placed in start grids; details of any qualifying standards, entry windows or time limits should be taken from the organiser's regulations and FAQ pages.
Where to watch
The area around the start and finish on the Via dei Fori Imperiali, close to the Colosseum, is the focal point. The Expo Village is at the Circus Maximus, a short walk from the Circo Massimo Metro B stop, and is free to enter for the public.
Weather
March is early spring in Rome. Mornings can be cool, the day tends to warm as the sun rises, and showers are possible, so conditions are usually mild but can vary from year to year.